Captaincy, playing style and two key signings - Erik ten Hag in-tray after Man Utd boss avoids sack

Erik ten Hag will stay on as Manchester United manager after surviving an end-of-season review into a disappointing campaign.

The Dutchman was close to the sack heading into the FA Cup final but victory against Manchester City and the manner in which it was achieved has helped convince Ineos chiefs that he remains the man to lead United into a new era.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford conducted a thorough review into the season just gone, which saw United finish eighth in the league and suffer 14 defeats, both club records in the Premier League era.

A significant injury crisis played a part in that string of poor results and Ten Hag felt the FA Cup final performance, when some of his key men had returned, was evidence of what he could achieve if he had a fully fit squad to work with.

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That view has now been backed by Ineos and having survived this season Ten Hag must deliver significant improvements if he is to repay that faith. These are the issues which should be top of his in-tray now he begins to plan for the 2024/25 season.

Convince captain to stay

He might not have been considered an untouchable when United were drawing up a list of potential sales this summer but amid interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona, convincing Bruno Fernandes his future is at Old Trafford should be key.

Lifting the FA Cup was another feather in the cap for Fernandes, who has enjoyed an excellent season despite the difficulties going on around him. He remains the best player in this squad and an almost irreplaceable cog in the side, given the quantity of goals and assists he provides.

Fernandes turns 30 in September and for his consistent excellence at United, he has just a Carabao Cup and FA Cup medal. He expects to be playing in the Champions League and challenging for titles and wants the club to show they match that ambition.

Define clear playing style

One of the roles of technical director Jason Wilcox is to draw up a 'game model' at United, essentially a style of play that can be replicated from first-team down through the age groups and can survive the vicissitudes of managerial change.

Ten Hag's style changed last season to try and be more front-foot but amid that nightmare injury crisis it became chaotic and those games rarely suited United. They have the better players in most games but allowed too many contests to come down to luck.

Along with Wilcox, Ten Hag needs to develop a style of play that plays to United's strengths, focusing on the speed in attack and creating chances, while also reducing the number of shots faced. There was a concession to circumstances in the final three games of last season but that was a temporary solution.

Develop Ineos relationships

Talking of Wilcox, it's going to be key for Ten Hag to develop relationships with Ineos employees. He has already held plenty of discussions with the technical director as well as talking to Sir Dave Brailsford.

At some point, Dan Ashworth will begin work as sporting director and next month Omar Berrada will start as chief executive. It is vital Ten Hag builds working relationships now the power base around Carrington has shifted.

The Dutchman is adamant he will retain a veto over transfers and he did have a strong relationship with Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars, a loyalty that has perhaps gone too far given his ongoing defence of the disgraced executive.

There is also the matter of trust with the sporting chiefs at United that may need rebuild after other managers were clearly and openly sounded out during the review period.

Fill two key positions

How much say Ten Hag has in transfers will have been a point of discussion over his retention. It promises to be a busy summer of arrivals and departures.

Depth is needed in some positions, most notably centre-forward, but two of the key signings could be someone to start alongside Lisandro Martinez and a new holding midfielder.

Casemiro is still likely to depart, despite finishing the season in better form. He struggled for much of the campaign and going into this season with the Brazilian holding the midfield together would be a risk. Finding a replacement will be a key cog this summer.

Assess injury record

One of the key areas for improvement next season is avoiding the kind of disastrous injury record that derailed the campaign just gone.

Changes have been afoot in the medical department and a review into the issues has been carried out. The number of muscle injuries and injuries picked up in training suggests it is more than just bad luck.

Ten Hag needs to make sure he is doing all he can at Carrington to avoid a repeat and keep his key players available more often.